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Chapter Text

The sound of soft chirping greeted Kagome as she slowly, almost dazedly, opened her eyes to finally look around her surroundings. Blinking a couple of times to help clear her vision, the first thing that greeted her was the wooden planks of her roof. It was still dark inside her hut so that told her that it was early enough that the sun has yet to kiss the horizon for the day but by the sounds of the birds outside, it seems like that will likely change very soon.

A small smile touched her lips, this was her favorite part of the day. Slowly sitting up, Kagome pulled her furs off herself before standing. With a long lazy stretch, Kagome was ready to start the beginning of her day. Folding all her fur blankets before placing them in one of her chests, Kagome then put away her tatami mat before starting on making her morning tea. As she sat there waiting for her tea water to boil, her mind began to wander.

Three years have past since the final battle against Naraku. It was a long gruesome battle but it was a battle that they had won. Naraku was by no means an easy opponent, it had taken their whole group plus Koga and his lackeys, Ayame and her wolves, as well as Kikyo, and Sesshoumaru to band together to defeat him. But they wouldn't have accomplished this without the help of Kagura, as strangely as that was... The wind demoness had played a crucial part in exploiting all Naraku's weaknesses and was rewarded by finally being free to live out the life she always wanted. They still saw her from time to time, well at least Kagome did. The wind demoness had a weird fascination with her for some reason but Kagome just shrugged it off. To everyone's surprise, Kagura had decided to pledge her loyalty to Sesshoumaru, although from what Kagura had confided to Kagome at a later date, she done so with hope of becoming his mate but it seems the inu Lord had refused her. With a faint smile, Kagome remembered how the sorceress had huffed but shrugged his rejection off in flippantly manner. Kagura told her it was worth a shot but she wasn't all that heart broken about it. Now Kagura worked as a spy for the Western Lord and was apparently pretty good at it... Which came as no surprise to Kagome.

It was almost surreal how everything played out, but what surprised Kagome the most was Kikyo. Kagome had figured that Inuyasha would use the jewel to wish Kikyo back to the living and he would have too if Kikyo hadn't have stopped him. Kikyo had expressed that she was at peace with her circumstance and wished to go back to her rightful place much to Inuyasha's horror. Inuyasha had tried with all that he could to convince Kikyo to stay but she refused. She had calmly explained to everyone that their was no such thing as a pure wish and to wish upon the jewel would taint it before returning at later date. The cycle would have begun all over again and that was something that they couldn't allow to happen. When she had asked Kikyo what she was suppose to do with it, Kikyo's only reply was to keep it close and protect it at all cost.

Kagome grimaced as she looked down at the pink bobble that still hung around her neck. Inuyasha had not been happy... Far from it actually. He had fled after Kikyo's second death, he returned to Edo 6 months later. Nobody knew where he had gone but none the less everyone was relieved when he came back. Kagome let a small smile stretch her lips at the thought. Inuyasha had changed during his time away... But he changed in a good way. Don't get her wrong though, he still had his hotheaded moments but for the most part he seemed to have matured... Some what. Kagome believed a lot of that credit belong to Shoiri though. Inuyasha had told her that he had come across the bat hanyou during his 6 month vacation, as Kagome called it, and he had been making trips over to her village ever since then. Although Inuyasha still refuses to admit that anything is going on between the two, Kagome knew better... His embarrassment over the situation gave him away.

Kagome laughed out loud at the thought, the image of Inuyasha all red face and sputtering was far too amusing. She was happy for him though, she was happy that he was finally opening up more and moving on with his life. She had been worried that he would close himself off after Kikyo's death and her rejection of a love relationship. To much had happened between them for any romance to take place, and they were happy where their friendship was at. He would always be her best friend... Although he still irritated her with his overprotective nature at times.

The sound of loud whistling snapped Kagome out of thought, after looking over at her tea kettle she realized that the water was finally ready. Reaching over to her right, Kagome picked up a medium size box that had all her tea leaves in. Peaking inside, she looked down at all the little glass bottles that were neatly organized, trying to decide what flavor she would have this morning. Skimming over the labels, it didn't take long for one in particular to grab her attention. After taking out the small bottle, next she picked up her reusable tea bag before she carefully began to pinch the right amount of herbal mixture from the bottle. Once she was satisfied, she put the tea bag in her empty cup then poured in the hot water. Knowing that it was going to be a minute before her tea was fully ready, Kagome carefully packed everything back in her tea box before she stood back up. She figured she might as well get dressed for the day as she waited.

Turning around, Kagome made her way over to another chest that was against the back wall of the main area in her hut. It didn't take her long to find a Miko outfit to put on. By the time she was done changing, the aroma of her tea began to tickle her nose. The smell of apples, berries, and spices began to fill the whole hut causing Kagome to instantly relax. With a soft hum, she slowly made her way back to her fire pit before picking up her cup. Carefully picking up the now soaked tea bag, Kagome dipped the bag back in twice to make sure the tea seeped out fully before pulling it out and setting it aside. In an after thought, she reached back down and grabbed an apple out of one of her fruit baskets before she slowly began to walk over to her window.

After taking a small sip of her tea, she carefully set the cup down on the window ledge before taking a bite out of the apple in her hand. As she slowly chewed the juicy fruit, she began to mull over everything that she needed to do today. Which really wasn't much now that she thought about it. First thing on her list was to check on her garden, that would probably only take her a couple of hours. Next she would need to finish hanging up and drying out some of the herbs she picked, and later she would need to check on her apiaries... Since it should be getting close to the time to harvest from them. She also wanted to go and check on Sango to make sure that her and the baby were doing ok. Three months after the final battle Sango and Miroku finally got married and it was only six months after that when Sango got pregnant with her first child. Now, three years later, she was 5 months pregnant with her second child. Another smile touched Kagome's lips as she thought about the couple. They both were great parents... And to her delight, Sango and Miroku's first child was a girl. It will be interesting to see how the monk will handle that when little Hana gets older. Kagome's smile turned into a devious smirk at the thought. Oh the karma that awaited that man. The thought caused her to crack up, almost spitting out a piece of apple that was in her mouth.

Getting herself back under control, Kagome's thoughts shifted to Shippo... She wondered if she would see him today. Last year the little kit had found a Leash, or a community of kitsune, to learn from. He still would visit her often to show her all the cool new tricks he has learn and she couldn't be more proud of him. He was progressing in leaps and bounds.

Humming quietly to herself, Kagome brought her apple up to her lips but just before she could take another bite, a strong gust of wind blew through the area... Knocking her apple out of her hand. Leaning forward, the upper half of her body almost completely out the window, Kagome glanced down at her long lost fruit before scowling and quickly checking the area.

'That was no ordinary gust of wind'.

It took a total of 3 seconds to find her culprit. Hoisting herself back, Kagome sighed over her lost breakfast as she trudged forward to meet her guest... Grabbing a medium size sack as she walked out the door.

"Do you have what I've come for Miko?"

Kagome slightly raised an eyebrow before she gave a small scoff. "Good morning to you too Kagura."

Kagura rolled her eyes before unfolding her fan with a quick flick of her delicate wrist, and brought the fan up to cover her amused smile. She watched Kagome come closer before she gave a proper greeting. "Good morning Kagome, how are you fairing?"

"Great! ...For now at least." Kagome laughed with a small shrug before handing Kagura the bag she had been carrying.

Kagura's eyes lite up as she put her fan away and handed Kagome decent size bag of coins in return before opening the bag Kagome gave her. "Everything is here?"

"Yep... Everything you ordered as well as the orders for the other three ladies." Kagome told her with a smile as she gave the bag of coins a toss up in the air before catching it with her other hand.

"Hmmm..." Kagura gave a nod of approval as she pulled out a small glass jar labeled Lavender that had a light purple creamy substance in it.

It was one of many jars in there that had many different scents. Her homemade 'Shampoo' and 'Conditioner' were surprisingly big hits with both youkai and humans alike. Kagome had decided about two years ago that she didn't want to be a normal Miko with normal Miko duties. So she decided to instead run her own apothecary... Or at least her version of one.

She still made medicines and help heal those that needed it but she also made her own shampoo, conditioner, scented candles, bathing oils, scented soaps, and perfumes for the humans, as well. She even figured out how to make homemade toothpaste, but she didn't sell that. She only made that for herself, Sango, Miroku, and Rin. All of which she learned how to make with her books and futuristic equipment. It wasn't long before it became a big hit with the neighboring villages... And it wasn't until Kagura became interested in her products that the high born ladies of the Western court became fans of her merchandise.

So now Kagura was like her middle man so to speak. Going back and forth with a list of products the demonesses wanted... And it brought in very good money. She almost had enough money to build a shop where she could store all her products but first she had to decide if she wanted to set it up here in Edo or in a bigger village.

Although she really didn't want to leave Edo, Edo wasn't exactly big enough yet for her to do this for a living... So more than likely, she knew that she would need to set up shop elsewhere. With Rin being here to learn from and help Kaede, she felt comfortable enough that her presence here wasn't required.

Kagome was suddenly snapped out of thought as Kagura waved a scroll in front of her face. Tilting her head to the side, Kagome took and carefully unrolled the scroll... Quickly realizing it was another list of items that needed to be made. Truth be told, she was starting to feel like the Feudal Era's version of an Avon Lady! A second ticked by before the thought caused her chuckle. She wasn't going to complain though, after this order she will for sure have enough money for a shop.

Reading over the scroll again, Kagome turned to head back into her hut, knowing Kagura would follow quickly behind her. Mentally she started going over what she already had made. 'Apple and Cinnamon scented candles- Check! Wild Berry Shampoo and Conditioner- Check! Peppermint Soap- Check... Wait no, I already sold that...Hmmm.'

Kagura raised an eyebrow as she silently followed Kagome into her hut. The place... Was a mess. The back of the hut was filled with all sorts of things she didn't recognize, but she figured that these things were what made all the wonderfully scented products. "Kagome, how do you even find anything in here?"

Kagome glanced back at Kagura and noticed the small frown that crossed her red lips. Looking back in front of her, she had to admit... Her hut looked something akin to a mad scientist's laboratory. Beakers, tubes, glass jars, and a wide variety of other things were set up everywhere in the back of her hut.

Giving a small shrug, Kagome decided to go back to riffling through the open chest in front of her. "It may look messy but it is what we call back home an organized mess. I know where everything is."

Kagura gave a disbelieving scoff before dropping the subject.

"Besides, after I get paid for this order I will finally have enough to buy a shop. Although I haven't-" Kagome was suddenly interrupted by an angry flux of jyaki that flooded the area. Snapping her head to quickly look at Kagura, she took immediate notice of her look of bafflement.

Quickly standing, Kagome and Kagura made there way to the door, very intent on investigating. Oddly the jyaki felt familiar but at the same time... Unrecognizable.

"Do you know who it is?" Kagome asked as she glanced over at Kagura.

Kagura shook her head no as she walked up to stand by Kagome, quickly grabbing her fan from it's secured place in her red obi. "I don't recognize the jyaki but I can tell it's a kitsune."

Before Kagome could ask anymore questions, a bright orange fox came burling out of the forest's tree line. The fox was about the size of a small pony. It's eyes bright red and it's fur standing on end. It snarled viciously at Kagome and Kagura as it slowly inched forward.

Kagome watched in horror as the fox furiously shook it's head back and forth before backing up a couple of steps. It was almost like it was fighting with it's self... And that was when Kagome realized what was going on. As well as who the fox was.

"It seems the kit lost himself to his beast." Kagura hummed as she readied her fan to attack.

"Kagura no!" Kagome quickly grasped the fan to stop her. "That's Shippo...The kit that use to travel with my group."

Kagura stared blankly at the kit... Trying to think. 'Was there a kit in the Miko's group?' Riffling through her memories, Kagura briefly recalled a small orange furball that did cling to Kagome back then... Funny how she never really noticed the little runt until now. With a small tsk and a quick flick of her wrist, Kagura mournfully put her fan away.

The moment she did though, the kit lunged. Fortunately, Kagome already anticipated this and trapped the kit inside a barrier. The two women watched as he snarled and trashed inside with wild abandon, which worried Kagome.

"I didn't even know he could take his true form yet." Kagome whispered as she watched with mounting concern.

"He's still young... This is most likely his first transformation." Kagura responded as she too continued to watch the kit with a lot less concern than her human companion.

"How do we help him?" Kagome asked as she slowly approached her barrier.

"We can't, this is something he has to figure out on his own, he needs to prove his dominance over his beast." Kagura paused as she thought about it further. "The only other way that can help him is if we find him a kitsune elder. Usually an elder guides the young through their first transformation."

"He never told me the location of the Leash he joined. I have no idea where to even look." Kagome gently rested her hand on the barrier as she started to use her healing abilities to try a lull Shippo's beast to sleep... Or at least into a calmer state. Thankfully she began to notice it was working.

Kagura sighed, she knew her next suggestion was going to be a bad idea but she was beginning to dislike the Miko's down trodden disposition. "I do know the location of a kitsune elder..."

The hope that crossed Kagome's face couldn't be hidden, even if she had actually tried. "Where? Will you take us there?"

Kagura nodded but pursed her lips. "He lives in the Heart of the West... He use to be one of Sesshoumaru-sama's advisors."

Kagome's breath hitched... Of course, silly of her to think that finding someone to help to be easy. Giving out a small sigh, Kagome looked down at the now sleeping fox. 'You sooo owe me big time Shippo.'

Looking back over to Kagura, she dejectedly gave her response. " Will you be able to carry us both on your feather?"

Chapter Text

Thank God night had fallen, otherwise Kagome knew there would be no way she could sneak around in these alleyways. She made sure to mask her aura and scent but unfortunately she couldn't disguise her humanity.

Following Kagura, the two hunkered down, peaking around corners, running or launching across streets whenever the coast was clear, and quite frankly... Kagome was tired. Who knew the Heart of the West was so damn BIG.

Lost in her own little world, Kagome abruptly ran nose first into Kagura's back, failing to notice that the wind witch had stopped. Taking a step back, Kagome was about to say something smart before she was rudely cut off and was slammed into Kagura again... This time by her floating barrier that currently cocooned a sleeping Shippo.

"Kagome!"

"Sorry!"

The two scrambled to get back up and untangle themselves. Kagome dusted herself off before sighing out loud. "Have you found him yet? This is getting ridiculous!... I thought you knew where this guy lived?!"

Kagura scowled. "I do but he has drunken tendencies... So he likes to wander. And I'm not no damn dog! So no! I haven't found him yet!"

Kagome scoffed but other than that she stayed quite and decided to peak around Kagura's shoulder to see what had the wind witch's attention.

Across the street stood a tavern, or at least that was what Kagome assumed it was considering how loud and rowdy it sounded. She could faintly hear the soft clinking of sake cups and laughter coming from the place... And see the drunken swagger of it's guests was a big indicator as well. "Do you think he is in there?"

"Hmmm... I believe so. I can barely feel his jyaki but I'm about 95% sure he is still in there." Kagura tapped the tip of her fan to her lips a couple times while in thought before glancing to her right, noticing for the first time how the Miko about hung over her shoulder while glaring at the tavern in consideration.

Giving a soft snort, Kagura lightly shrugged Kagome off before straightening, then turned to face her. Quickly Kagura pulled the feather out of her bun and transformed it before getting on. "Get on Kagome, I will take you to the drunkard's hut... Don't forget your kit."

Kagome, a little confused but quickly got on and snatched up the medium sized, softly glowing, bubble that was currently holding Shippo before asking her question. "Why? Why don't we just go in there and get him now?"

"You can't go in there for one and two... It will be difficult for me to fly around with a accident prone Miko, her kit, and a drunken kitsune."

Kagome softly shrugged, conceding to her point and quietly watched as they hovered over the ground before they zipped off. She noticed that they still hovered low and stuck to the alleyways and she had to assume it was due to still keeping a low profile.

She knew that while humans were welcome here, for trading purposes only... For the most part none were brave enough to try to actually step foot in the Heart of the West. But a Miko, or monk, would cause a wild commotion. Which would guarantee the attention of it's lord and quite frankly... Kagome really didn't want the notice of the icy, oh so powerful, lordship. The past encounters with Sesshoumaru ran rapidly through her mind.

'Nope! I'll pass!' As she scrunched her nose after the thought. No more than a couple minutes went by before they stopped in front of a really run down hut and Kagome frowned. "Uhhhh... I thought you said this guy worked for Sesshoumaru?"

"Sesshoumaru-sama, Kagome." Kagura tsked in a hushed whisper. " Be careful how you address him here and I said he use to... Meaning not anymore."

"... Clearly..." Kagome gave an amused snort as she bounced herself off of Kagura's feather with her purple bubble still clutched to her person.

Kagome only had a moment to inspect the hut in front of her before she felt a small nudge pushing her towards the bamboo sudare placed in front of the doorway.

"Wait inside, I will be back shortly with the drunk fox." Kagura didn't wait for a reply before taking off, leaving Kagome on her own.

With a shrug, Kagome pushed the bamboo flap aside and entered the hut. Looking around, her eyebrow rose slightly as she took in the mess before her. Things were scattered about, empty sake bottles littered the place and cobwebs stretched from corner to corner.

Gently, she let go of her barrier that held the still sleeping Shippo and allowed it to float to the middle of the room before making her way over to the window. Peeking outside, she couldn't help but admire the great white Shiro off in the distance.

*

Meanwhile, Kagura was having no such admiration at the thing she was staring at. As a matter of fact... She was pretty sure it was distain she was feeling. Taking a deep breath to calm what little nerves she still had. Kagura weaved around the tavern’s patrons as calmly as she could. Pausing her step, she gave a sigh as she watched a tall black 9 tailed fox stumble about, waving his sake cup in the air as he sung completely off tune to the crowd of females surrounding him. She knew it was only a matter of time before the drunk would-

-Thump-

"Hisoka!" Kagura couldn't help herself as she hissed out her target's name and marched towards him. In any other circumstances she would have been amused but unfortunately, since she had to deal with him, she was not.

Stopping behind his half kneeled figure, Kagura grabbed him by the back of his collar and tugged him back, lifting his face out of the giggling female's cleavage. Using her strength, Kagura pulled the male back to his feet.

Hisoka swayed a moment before looking down at his savior and a big grin crossed his handsome face in recognition as he leaned in to give her a hug. "Kayugoo..."

Kagura scowled as his heavy weight fell on her. Oh how the mighty have fallen... literally. Shaking her head, Kagura turned and grabbed Hisoka by the collar again before proceeding to drag him through the tavern and out the door... Failing to notice as the sly drunken fox snagged a jug of sake on his way out.

*

Kagome about jumped out of her skin as a big black mass of limbs and silk was thrown through the doorway, ripping the sudare clean off the entrance. Kagome just stared and raised a eyebrow.

"Kagaga... Why... -sigh-... Fuck..."

Kagome giggled as she watched the black mass, which she assumed was the drunkard they had been looking for, roll around on the floor trying to untangle himself from his silk kimono. She quickly covered her mouth though when she noticed her giggle had grabbed his attention.

Hisoka rolled over onto his back before angling his head to look at Kagome in confusion. "Kaguya... Why is... Human in hut?"

Kagome couldn't keep her full blown laugh to herself this time and watched as a red faced Kagura stomped over to the fox before whacking him with her closed fan.

"Shut up Hisoka!"

Hisoka whined before mumbling something about bitchy witches which caused Kagome to start laughing again and Kagura to clinch her own jaw.

"Kagome... Hisoka." Kagura pointed at the sprawled out drunk. "Hisoka... Kagome, the Shikon Miko."

"Genneralll Hissssokaaa!" Hisoka whined as he pointed to himself just in case anyone in the room may have been confused as to who he was.

"Hisoka, you no longer hold a title. You lost it, remember?!" Kagura smarted back before rolling her eyes.

Kagome stopped laughing and tilted her head to the side, very curiously. "How did he lose his title?"

"Lady Miyako." Hisoka sighed in an almost dream like fashion. Kagome looked at Kagura in confusion.

"Hisoka slept with Sesshoumaru-sama's mother." Kagura smirked. "Which Sesshoumaru-sama didn't take too kindly to."

Kagome's mouth formed an 'O' shape as she glanced at the fox.

"...Lovely silver..." Hisoka's half drunken mumbles gave away that he was about to pass out and both females rolled their eyes this time.

"We're not going to get anything out of him until morning... get some rest Kagome." Kagura sighed as she shook her head.

Kagome nodded and looked around the hut for anything to lay on. After checking on Shippo to make sure he was okay, she then managed to find a couple of furs. Shaking the furs of any dust and debris, Kagome frowned before laying down.

"G'night Kagura"

"Goodnight Kagome"

*

Bright lights and loud rustling greeted Kagome come morning. Slowly opening her eyes, she pulled herself up into a sitting position and dazedly watched as Kagura rifled through a well kept chest full of silk.

"Good morning Kagura." Kagome mumbled as she tried to rub the sleep from her eyes.

Kagura gave a faint "Morning." back as she continued to search the chest.

Kagome watched her for a minute before looking over at the passed out fox. His long jet black hair was fanned out and his black furry ears flicked back and forth on occasion as he softly snored. Which Kagome found a little fascinating, he had ears like Inuyasha but he clearly wasn't a hanyou. "Kagura, why does Hisoka have ears like Inuyasha? Shippo doesn't have ears like that..."

Kagura didn't bother with looking over her shoulder as she answered. "Hisoka is a rank 9 Kurogitsune."

Kagome tilted her head in confusion... that told her nothing. She knew that a Kurogitsune was a dark fox but what did that have to do- "Wait... Is he evil?"

Kagura chuckled. "Define evil?"

Kagome's eyes widened as she slightly tensed up... But before she could open her mouth, Kagura continued.

"Kurogitsune are not all evil Kagome. Mischievous, yes, but not evil. Hisoka specializes in dark magic but he rarely torments... Well, humans any." Kagura began to laugh again. "He saves his nastiness for the Yokai."

Kagome nodded, relaxing a bit. "So why does he have ears like that?"

"Because he is a rank 9... A Daiyoukai." Kagura finally found what she was looking for and turned to walk towards Kagome, throwing the garment on her head in a playful manner. "Daiyoukai sometime have trouble in keeping all the animal like features contained due to their high power. It is common for any kitsune that are rank 5 or higher to not be able to completely conceal everything. Your kit's ears will more than likely change as he gets stronger... But that won't be for awhile yet, he is still a Yako."

"Wait, I thought that a Yako was bad." Kagome worried, her Shippo could not be bad! Her kit was sweet... Ornery, but sweet.

Kagura sighed. "A Nogitsune is evil, yes but a Yako can also be used to describe a young kit as well. Your kit is still too young to know where he will be placed in rank... or be able to tell what elements he will be able to control."

"Elements?... He uses his foxfire, so wouldn't his element be fire?" Kagome mumbled as she looked around for Shippo. Her breath hitched once she found him. Big red eyes greeted her as she turned around. Shippo had apparently been awake this whole time and was just calmly watching his surroundings. Sitting inside her barrier, Shippo's tails flicked back and forth as he studied Kagome. "He has two tails now!"

"Hm... Yes he does, not surprising though. What is a surprise is that he only has two and is transformed. Usually a kitsune doesn't transform until they have three." Kagura explained as she circled around the barrier. "And yes, his first element is fire, all foxes start off with fire. It is the easiest element for them to control. I'll leave the explanation of the thirteen elements to Hisoka."

Kagome nodded her head absentmindedly as she lifted her hand and placed it on her barrier. She watched as Shippo's nose tried to touch her hand from the other side. When he couldn't touch her he tilted his head to the side and yipped at her. Even though she couldn't understand what he was trying to communicate, she instinctively knew that he wouldn't try to attack them again... And she was pretty sure he wanted out.

Without another thought, Kagome took her barrier down and released Shippo. He yipped again before launching forward, tackling Kagome like he usually does. She couldn't help but giggle as he nuzzled and licked her face before getting up and bouncing around her in circles.

"Is that bad though? Does that mean something is wrong with him since he only has two instead of three?" Kagome asked as she watched Shippo with worry as he went snooping around the hut.

"I am not sure, it could go either way." Kagura hummed out as she thought about the situation. "One, it could mean that his knowledge is growing at a fast rate and if that is the case than it is a good thing. Kitsune value knowledge above all... That's how they grow stronger and if he is growing this fast than he will most definitely be a high ranking kitsune."

"But if it isn't?" Kagome started to slightly fidget with worry as she kept an eye on Shippo.

Kagura sighed. "If it isn't than that means something or someone forced him to transform earlier than he was suppose to, which could have severe repercussions."

"Like what?" Kagome pulled her eyes away from Shippo to look over at Kagura.

"He could be forever struck in this form." Kagura looked at Kagome sadly, knowing that if that were to happen it would upset her greatly.

Kagura was right, Kagome's anxiety amplified. An overwhelming feeling struck Kagome and she wanted nothing more than to hug and cuddle her kit. Looking around, Kagome tensed when she couldn't immediately find Shippo, causing her to quickly stand. "Shippo?"

Nothing was her response but the sound of something hard rolling across the floor caught her attention. Looking at the back of the hut, Kagome watched in fascination as a small black and gold ball rolled out through the hut's back wall, stopping at her feet. Confused, Kagome watched as a second later Shippo came dashing through the same wall to chase after it. That's when the realization hit Kagome. 'The shabby hut is an illusion!'

She should have known, obviously. Hisoka is a rank 9 kitsune! Of course he would be very well skilled in illusions. Looking down, Kagome patted Shippo on the head before picking up the small black ball that he found. The moment she did though she got a reaction she wasn't prepared for.

Faster than she could blink, Hisoka stood before her red eyed, tails twitching, growling, and overall downright livid!

"MIKO! GIVE ME MY BALL!!"

Kagome stood wide eyed and stock still as the sound of Kagura's laughter filled the hut.

Chapter Text

Kagome stood there nervously. What the hell did Shippo find?! Glancing over at Kagura, Kagome realized that the wind witch was in no way going to be helpful as she watched her double over laughing... Which caused Kagome to scowl. 'How does Shippo always get me into these situations?!'

Looking down at Shippo, she watched him tilt his head curiously as he flicked his tails back and forth, innocently. She frowned.

"MIKO... MY BALL! ...NOW!!" Hisoka's gurtaling growl brought Kagome's attention back him.

Kagome hesitated slightly before her eyes narrowed at him. Why was he frazzled over a little ball? ...Was it sentimental to him? ... No, it had to be something more, something more important. "What is it?"

Hisoka tensed and Kagura laughed harder. Kagome scowled, she hated to be left out of the loop!

"IT IS NOTHING... IT IS JUST VERY VERY VERY VALUABLE TO ME..." Hisoka hesitated now that he realized Kagome didn't actually know what it was that she had in her hands. "MY BALL, PLEASE."

Kagome lifted an eyebrow as she watched the Kurogitsune hold his palm up, waiting for her to hand his ball over.A youkai had just said please to her... And not just any youkai... A Daiyoukai, and a stranger to boot. ' Okay, something is up. No stranger of the youkai kind has ever been polite to me right off the back... Especially a Daiyoukai!'

Kagome gave him a skeptical look before hesitantly stepping back. "Kagura... Why is the ball important?" Kagome watched Hisoka carefully.

Kagura tried her best to stifle her laughter before shooting Hisoka a devious look. 'Pay back is truly a bitch!' Kagura gave another amused snort before looking at Kagome. "Kagome, you are holding his Star ball!"

Hisoka growled at Kagura and Kagome looked confused. "What the hell is a star ball?!"

Kagura smirked. "A star ball is a kitsune's most prized possession. Their spirit and power is linked to it..." Kagura's smirk turned into a full blown grin as she continued. "And whoever possesses it has control over the kitsune it belongs to... They are forced into service of the one who holds it."

Kagome gasped, no wonder Hisoka is pissed. A key word Kagura said sunk into Kagome's brain a second later. 'Whoever holds it, huh...' The cogs in her mind started to turn. Now don't get the wrong idea, she by no means wanted to force Hisoka into anything but... Kagome looked down at Shippo. She was desperate, she had to find a way to help Shippo.

If the ball was a kitsune's most prized possession then that meant every kitsune had one... Meaning Shippo knew exactly what this was when he found it. 'And he rolled it to me.'

Looking down at the black ball clutched between her palms, Kagome began to lightly tap her finger against it as she finally made up her mind. Her eyes zeroed in on Hisoka. "Let's make a deal, Hisoka."

Hisoka tensed, it was just as he feared. Clinching his fist and gritting his teeth, Hisoka closed his red eyes and took a calming breath. "What do you want miko?"

Kagome relaxed slightly as he calmed himself down but she could still tell his beast was very much present by how deep his voice still was...And his eyes were still red. Kagome nodded towards Shippo. "I need your help with my kit."

Hisoka's brows furrowed as he looked at the miko's kit. 'Her kit?!' He was just as confused as his beast. He looked back over at the miko. The kit in question had to be over 50 years of age and the miko looked no older than 20... And by her scent he could tell she was still pure, which left only one option. She adopted him... Which was odd. In all of his 2,500 years of life he has never come across a human of holy nature that had adopted a youkai child... Let alone, claimed one. "Your kit? I was not aware that holy people had started claiming youkai children now...How interesting."

Kagome shrugged. "Shippo is not just mine... Shippo is pack, and I am alpha in my pack... Therefore, it is my responsibility to make sure he is cared for and to help him when he needs it... And right now, he needs it."

Both of Hisoka's eyebrows raised, disappearing under his bangs, in disbelief before he let out a hearty chuckle. 'pack?' Didn't the silly female know that kitsune don't form packs.... But that little statement told Hisoka alot about the miko that stood before him.

Humans are not pack creatures, they for the most part just stick to their families and that was it but even that was questionable considering how many betrayed their kin. So the simple fact that this miko had not only claimed a kit but also knew and exhibited pack behavior told Hisoka that she was influenced somehow by a canine youkai. He studied her closely. "Hmmmm ... Is he a wolf? Inu? Or perhaps he is a coyote or jackal?" Hisoka gave a small frown as he thought about it. "Maybe a raccoon dog... Hmmm?"

Kagome was confused... And she hated to be confused. It just makes her want to pout... And she was too old to be doing that. "What are you talking about?!"

"Your alpha... Pack mentality does not come to humans easily, so what type of youkai is he?" Hisoka smirked, completely finding her adorable when frustrated.

Kagome pouted but shrugged. "I am alpha, but my beta is a male Inu hanyou."

This shocked Hisoka, not the fact that she was alpha per say but that a male Inu hanyou was her beta?! Usually canine hanyou do not form packs, instead they just exist alone in solitude. This male had to be strong if his instincts were this high... And if she was alpha, that meant she was stronger. "Interesting..."

Kagome shook her head and sighed, her status in her pack was not important right now... Shippo was. With that thought in mind, Kagome pointed down at the kit. "You help me with getting him out of his transformation and I will gladly hand you back your star ball thingy."

Hisoka scowled, "It is not a thingy!" but none the less he waved the kit closer before examining him. Slowly he circled around the small kit, looking him over before he frowned. "This is an unnatural transformation."

Kagome's breath hitched as she started to worry. "What do you mean? Can it be reversed?"

Hisoka shrugged before he knelt down in front of the kit and started to yip at him. Kagome listened with worry in her heart as the two kitsune spoke to each other in yips and small growls. They spoke for a good five minutes before she saw Hisoka nod and slowly stand up.

"It is as I feared, the kit was forced into an early transformation. The Leash he was learning from was attacked by another rivalling Leash... Where does your pack reside?"

Kagome started to slowly pace. "We live in Edo."

Hisoka nodded in understanding. "Edo is in the East territory. I have no authority there since my alliance is with the West...Daichi and I are not on good terms either. From what the kit has said, this sounds like the Leash he was learning from was attacked due to a territorial dispute. He was not the only kit there that was forced into an early transformation."

Kagome lightly bit into her lip as she absorbed the given information. "Who is Daichi? If I go to him will he help?"

"He is the kitsune Daiyoukai of the East... And as far as helping you, not likely. He is not fond of humans... Or mikos." Hisoka told her with a shrug.

"I thought the wolves ruled over the East?" Kagome asked with slight confusion. She remembered Kouga telling her this a couple of years back.

"They do, kitsune are not interested in ruling large areas, or over other species. Every territory has a kitsune Daiyoukai that keeps the others of our kind in check since we tend to get out of hand otherwise."

Kagura gave a soft snort of amusement. "That is an understatement."

Kagome paced quicker. "Well, is there anything you can do to help him?"

Hisoka grimaced before slowly shaking his head. "The kit was attacked by a kitsune that has mastered the element of time... I, unfortunately, have not studied that element. I have only mastered the elements of fire, void, spirit, and sound magic."

Kagome stared at him blankly. "okay... What does that mean?"

Hisoka sighed before plopping down on the floor. "What do you know of the thirteen elements?"

Kagome shrugged. "Nothing..."

"Kitsune can learn up to thirteen different elements. As a kit, we all start off with the fire element, which is the control over fire. It is the easiest of the elements for us to learn. The other twelve are; Wind, earth, river, thunder, forest, mountain, ocean, void or also known as dark, sound, spirit, time, and celestial. The more tails a kitsune has, the more elements they probably know." Hisoka paused to see if the Miko understood what he was saying before he continued.

"I myself have mastered 4 of these elements. Fire, naturally, since that is always the first to be taught within a Leash. Since I am also a Kurogitsune, I have also mastered dark magic, which ables me to manipulate shadows and summon creatures of the dark. The magic of sound ables me to use sound and music to manipulate others into doing my bidding... And spirit magic allows me to summon and manipulate the spirits of the underworld." Hisoka paused again as he turned to rifle through a pile of empty sake jugs for minute before magically pulling out a full one.

"The kitsune your kit came across was a master of time magic, which ables one to speed or slow down time... Or in this case, cause their target to mature before they were ready. Kitsune grow the more they learn and since your kit has not mentally reached the stage to be able to handle a transformation, he is now stuck. The only way to reverse this is with the help of a kitsune who has mastered time magic." Hisoka finished and took a deep swig from the sake bottle.

"Well, do you know any fellow kitsune who have mastered this time magic?" Kagome was starting to get frustrated and tried to resist the urge to cry as she watched Hisoka shake his head no.

"The mastery of time magic is a difficult one... And very time consuming." Hisoka chuckled at his own joke and Kagome scowled, very much not amused.

"But you could learn it easily enough." Kagura finally butted in.

Hisoka sent the witch a glare. "Oh?"

"The Western Shiro has the biggest library in Nippon. I know that Sesshoumaru-sama has scrolls about the thirteen elements. Don't play dumb Hisoka." Kagura crossed her arms as she leaned against the doorway.

"No! Absolutely not!!" Hisoka hissed as he took another swig.

"Yes, you absolutely will. You forget fox that the Miko holds your star ball. You will help her kit. So it's time to quite pouting and get your butt over to Sesshoumaru-sama's study and apologize for your behavior... Even Grovel if you have too." Kagura stood her ground firmly and Hisoka hated it!

"He will kill me!" Hisoka stressed, trying to convince Kagura that this would be a bad course of action. "Then what good would I be?"

"Stop exaggerating, you two fight all the time. Go over there, grovel, and tell him that a Leash dispute has come to your attention and you need to learn a new skill... Which I am sure he will not refuse since the stronger you are the more likely you will be able to handle the problem and the less likely he will have to step in." Kagura continued and Kagome couldn't have been more grateful, all while Hisoka sulked. "... And you know how much he hates dealing with the Leashes."

Hisoka sighed as he slouch back, knowing Kagura was right but not wanting to admit it. He has been away from the Shiro for about 4 moon cycles now... So it should be okay for him to return... Hopefully. Letting out a soft growl, Hisoka finally caved in. "Fine... But what about the Miko and her kit?"

Kagome looked back and forth between the two in confusion. "What?"

"We can't just leave her here... And I can't take her to the Shiro. The kit will be fine, as a matter of fact I can bring the kit to Sesshoumaru-sama so he can get all the details of what happened-"

"NO!!!" Kagome bolted forward and grabbed her kit, clutching him close. Hisoka raised an eyebrow.

Kagome chuckled nervously. "Let's just say that Sesshoumaru-sama isn't fond of me... And he will know who Shippo is."

Hisoka's other eyebrow raised. "Sesshoumaru-sama isn't fond of anyone... But now I'm curious."

Kagome tensed but soon relaxed as Kagura saved the day. "A tale for another time Hisoka, let's stay on point. Kagome will be fine, she has her own little business to keep her busy but the two of them, or at least she, can not go walking about like they are, so I was thinking..."

It was Hisoka's turn to tense up, the witch thinking was never a good thing when it involved him. "I'm not sure I want to know."

Kagura rolled her eyes. "Your a kitsune Hisoka... So use some of that kitsune magic of yours and disguise her."

Hisoka looked over at the Miko as Kagura's words sunk in. It would be easy enough for him to do, all he would need is a charm. There was only one problem though... How to make a Miko smell like a Youkai. "I can disguise her as a kitsune so that way people will not question the kit following her around but the problem is her scent. Others will smell that she is not Youkai."

Kagura 'hmmed' as she thought about the problem but soon found the answer. "Kagome makes this cream that can mask your scent. She can use that."

Kagome tilted her head in confusion. "You mean my lotion?"

Kagura nodded.

"She will need to smell like her kit." Hisoka further added.

"What does he smell like?" Kagome asked as she looked down at Shippo and ran her fingers through his fur.

Hisoka sniffed lightly. "Like Autumn... And magic."

Kagome stopped her petting and gave Hisoka a disbelieving look. "And what the hell does magic smell like?!"

Chapter Text

Kagome carefully shifted through all the little glass jars that were placed into her wooden box. Kagura was so kind to bring to her since she was currently stuck in Hisoka's 'not so run down' hut. The place was actually pretty spacious and organized once he took down his illusion spell.

It was late morning at this point and Kagura had just dropped off the last of her stuff that she needed to make her new lotion. According to Hisoka, and after making him sniff about 30 different essential oils, they finally figured out the perfect mixture of Shippo's scent. Skimming through her little bottles, Kagome grabbed pumpkin seed oil, apple that was infused with honey oil, cinnamon oil, and sandalwood oil.

The last scent she had to make, since it wasn't something she had in stock... Nor would she use it in anything she would make in the future. Decaying leaves... That's right! Apparently autumn smells like dirty rotten leaves... Which actually made sense when you think about it, but it just didn't sound or smell appealing.

Hisoka insisted that it was the final missing piece to Shippo's scent. Thankfully he told her it wasn't overpowering but just a slight hint of it. She then asked why it was so important if it was just a very small part of his overall scent, which prompted Hisoka to tell her that youkai would notice the difference... No matter how small it would be.

Putting the wooden box aside, Kagome stood up and walked over to the fire to check on her glass steam distillery. She made a quick check to make sure the metal stand was properly holding everything together and wasn't wobbly before checking the condensing chamber.

Noticing that the water in it was getting warm, she quickly uncorked the little hole on the side towards the bottom of the container, so it could drain out into the bucket right below it. As it was doing so, she quickly grabbed a full cup of cold water and started to pour it into the condenser. Once she was positive that all the warm water drained, she quickly corked the hole again to keep the cold water in. This would be so much easier if she did this at her mother's but it was too big of a hassle to carry everything back and forth... Plus she didn't want to draw too much attention towards the well. So that meant she had to do this the old fashion way... By hand and with no pumps.

Once the condensing chamber was taken care of, Kagome checked the bottom glass bulb, or known as the boiler, and noticed the water was almost gone... Which meant she was almost done. Looking over at the separator, she took note of how much oil she got and was satisfied. She didn't get alot but that was ok, she didn't need alot to begin with ... And she was sure that rotten leaves was not going to be a big seller anyways.

"What is that smell?!"

Kagome looked over her shoulder and saw Hisoka, his black fox ears laid back, his right sleeve covering his stuffed up nose, coupled with a watery eyed murderous glare to finish his over all look. Kagome let out a snort of amusement. "Rotten leaves."

"He doesn't smell that rotten, miko!" Hisoka slowly got closer before sitting next to her to observe what she was doing. "I said he smelt faintly of decaying leaves."

Kagome rolled her eyes as she put on a pair of cooking mittens. "I know that, Mr. grumpy pants... I have to capture the scent of decaying leaves first before I can add a very small amount to the lotion."

"Well you captured it alright! It's stinking up my entire hut!" Hisoka hissed as he continued to pout. Kagome couldn't help but think he looked a lot like Inuyasha at the moment.

Briefly ignoring Hisoka for a moment, Kagome gently picked up the metal stand that held her steam distillery and moved it out of the fire before taking her mittens off. Once that was done, she walked back to kneel before the separator and turned the valve at the bottom to release the hydrosol into the bucket below. When all the water was drained she quickly turned the valve again so the oil wouldn't leak out. Picking up her little empty glass bottle, she held it under the valve and drained the the oil.

"I'll make sure to light a couple scented candles once I'm done... Besides, aren't you suppose to be groveling to his highness right now?" Kagome smirked as she looked back over to the fox.

Hisoka shifted nervously. "Uhhh... It's still early, so I'm sure he is still busy attending some meetings."

"Uh huh." Kagome giggled as she stood up and began to disassemble her distillery. Making sure to dump the hydrosol outside before cleaning out the soggy rotten leaves. Walking back over to the cold bucket of water, Kagome began to scrub all her equipment clean. "Well, that works out anyways since I need your nose. When I mix the scented oils with the lotion, I need you to tell me if it smells right."

Hisoka scowled. "No more sniffing, miko! After smelling all those damn bottles, I'm not going to be able to smell anything right for a week!"

Kagome laughed as she got up and put her cooking rack over the fire before setting a small cooking pot that was half filled with water on top of it. "I'm sure you will be able to smell just fine by tomorrow." Hisoka's murderous scowl told Kagome that he thought otherwise.

Walking over to the nearest table, Kagome grabbed everything she needed to make her lotion. Setting down one of her empty mason jars, Kagome measured out 1/3 cup of coconut oil, 1/3 cup of shea butter, and 1/3 cup of organic cocoa butter before dumping them all into her jar. Next step was the tricky part. "Hisoka, what are Shippo's strongest scents?"

Walking over, Hisoka looked over everything on the table. "These three."

Kagome picked up the pumpkin seed, sandalwood, and apple infused with honey oils before using the eye dropper to measure the liquid. Usually she would just fill the whole dropper with the oil she was using and that was it but with this she had to be careful... especially since youkai had such sensitive noses. Two tiny drops of each should be enough to not overpower the lotion. That was one good thing about having mostly youkai customers, a little goes a long way. Next she did the cinnamon oil and just added one drop of that. Now for the last scent... Decaying leaves. Instead of using a dropper, Kagome picked up a q-tip and lightly dipped it into the oil. Carefully, she dabbed a part of the shea butter with it and set it down.

"Ok, let's hope this works." Kagome walked over to the now boiling water and set the mason jar inside. She let it set for a couple of minutes so it could melt everything down before picking the jar back up and set it back on the table. Grabbing her whisk, she began to whip the liquid around until it started to thicken.

"Hisoka, does this smell right?" Pausing her stirring for a moment, Kagome lifted the jar so the fox could smell it.

"Hmm... Almost. Add 1 more drop of the apple with honey and 1 more of the cinnamon." Hisoka grabbed the 2 bottles and opened them, having seen Kagome do it, he proceeded to put the 2 drops into the jar. "He is still young so his scent of magic still smells really sweet."

Kagome gave a small nod as she continued to stir the mixture until it was the right thickness. Once the lotion was done, Kagome set the jar down and walk over to Hisoka as another thought popped into head. "Hisoka, wouldn't others find it suspicious if Shippo and I smelled exactly the same though?"

"Your natural scent should mix with the scent of this cream which will change it enough that it shouldn't draw any unnecessary questions." Hisoka mumbled as he fiddled with the charm he was creating for Kagome.

Kagome gave a nod of understanding as she grabbed her cooking pot and dumped the water outside. Slowly she shuffled around the hut, putting all her supplies away before Hisoka waved her over.

"Alright, lets see if this works." Hisoka mumbled as he tied his little charmed bracelet around Kagome's left wrist and whispered a little spell before her transformation took effect.

A swirl of black and purple shimmer circled Kagome's form and to their shock, the Shikon began to brightly glow as well in reaction to the spell. Two black fox ears perked up on top of her head and wiggled a bit as she adjusted to her new hearing. Six long black tails sprung out from her tail bone before gently falling to the floor. Her long black hair now ended mid thigh. Silver shimmering stripes swept across her face, one under each eye and across both her eyelids. Other silver stripes formed on her wrists, hips, and ankles as well.

Kagome took a deep breath as she felt claws grow from her fingertips and couldn't help but run her tongue over her new fangs once they grew to their full length. "They feel so real." Kagome looked over her new form. The glow of the Shikon soon caught her attention and she began to panic. It was no longer a bright vibrant pink, but now a soft glowing lilac color. "Hisoka, what have you done?"

Hisoka looked just as shocked as she was as he watched her run over to his long full length mirror. "Nothing miko, just a simple transformation spell."

Kagome quickly looked over her new form and took notice of her eyes, they were still her icy blue color but now sported slits instead of pupils. A small wave of dizziness took over for a minute as she realized her eyesight had heightened. Soon the heavy smell of rotten leaves filled her nose, almost making her gag. Her sense of smell got stronger as well, making Kagome cover her nose with her sleeve. She was on the verge of hyperventilating when Kagura walked in.

"Hisoka! Take it off!" Kagome was so close it losing it as she rushed forward, both shocked as her speed blurred, followed with her crashing into him. "Take it off, take it off, takeitoff!" Kagome whimpered as she desperately tugged at the bracelet, trying to rip it from her wrist.

"Miko! Take a deep breath..." Hisoka gently grabbed her wrist as he began to untie it from her person. "It took me all night to make this!" He further scowled, but did take a little pity on her once he realized she was slightly shaking. Once it was loose enough, he gently removed it and they all watched in awe as Kagome went back to her normal human self.

Kagome took a shakey breath as everything righted itself again. Quickly looking down, she sighed in relief as the Shikon turn back to its vibrant pink again. "What was THAT?! Why did your spell taint the Shikon?"

Hisoka frowned but shrugged. Kagura watched the entire thing, completely fascinated. "I don't think it tainted the jewel Kagome."

Kagome whipped her head over to look at Kagura in confusion. "What do you mean? It turned the jewel purple, it wasn't it's normal pink like it is when it's been purified."

"True, but I don't think it was because it was tainted..." Kagura paused as she collected her thoughts. "Now I can't feel the jewels power since you have it hidden but usually the jewel turns black when corrupted. This time it was a light purple. If I remember right, When Midoriko created the Shikon she capture a 1,000 youkai along with herself... Meaning the jewel holds Reiki and Jyaki." Kagura paused again to let that information sink in for a minute. "Perhaps, when the spell took place, it called on the jyaki that is stored in it..."

Kagome thought about it for a minute and it did make a sense... At least a little. Kagura was around it a lot when it was tainted because of Naraku so she maybe on to something. "Well, I wasn't getting an evil vibe from the jewel like I have before when it was tainted so perhaps your right."

Kagome looked over at the charm that was still in Hisoka's claws before making her decision and walked back to him. "Let me try it again and see."

Hisoka gave a nod before retying the bracelet. All of them watched, mesmerized as Kagome reformed. Kagome took a deep breath and worked on centering herself to get use to the changes in her senses.

Once centered, she looked down at the jewel and inspected it. It didn't feel evil... So she let out a breath of relief. "Hmmm... It's strange. Was your transformation spell suppose to heighten all my senses like a full blooded youkai?"

Hisoka frowned. "No, as far as I know, there isn't a spell known that can do that. It must be the jewel reacting to it. Oddly I can feel Jyaki coming from you as well... Just like a regular youkai."

Kagome gave a small confused nod before walking back over to the mirror to closely inspect herself. She stared in awe... Lightly she touched her face, fascinated by the delicate silver stripes which made her ice blue eyes stand out even more. Her dainty claws captured her attention next as she quickly looked down to inspect them closer. That was when another thought struck her, did she have youkai abilities now as well?

Taking a deep breath, Kagome very slowly summoned her power... But to her surprise, her reiki manifested. Quickly reigning her powers back in so it wouldn't be detected, she softly hummed. "Well I can't summon jyaki, so that's good I guess... I'll have to be careful though not to accidentally summon my reiki."

Hisoka gave a small nod as he closely inspected the miko, looking for anything that might give away that her appearance was an illusion. When he saw none, he nodded to himself in approval.

Kagome looked herself over one last time before turning towards the other two in the room. She immediately took notice that Kagura brought the rest of her belongings and set them inside the hut careful. "Thank you Kagura for all your help, I really appreciate it."

Kagura gave a nod before scrunching up her nose in distaste. "What is that smell?"

Hisoka hissed, once again reminded of his current irritation. "Rotten leaves..." He grimaced as he glared at the miko.

Kagome gave a guilty chuckle as she rubbed the back of her head. "I'll light some candles... Don't worry Hisoka, It won't take me long to find a place of my own." Kagome gave a excited grin, she was looking forward to finally being able to run around and explore the heart of the west tomorrow!